Membership helps sustain the programming provided by Studio B. Please visit our Member Page to see our current Bearcasso (Artist) Members. Membership dues can be mailed to Studio B, 39A Philadelphia Avenue, Boyertown, PA 19512 or by submitting $75 using our donate link on the Home Page!
FAQ for Artist Members of Studio B
We frequently have questions re: Studio B and becoming an artist member. Perhaps the following details will help clarify things for our members and those considering membership.
Who’s who?
• Studio B is a community art gallery run by volunteers. It was organized as a gallery and teaching studio designed to support local art and artists and to encourage participation in the visual and communication arts. The studio also supports the development of community relationships. As such, it hosts meetings and networking events and offers the gallery to other groups for their use. Classes are held in the facility; a new classroom wing was added in the summer of 2011. Private lessons, group lessons, classes and workshops enhance the educational arm of the studio. Birthday parties at the studio and on our Art Mobile helped us to promote the studio in our early years. We envisioned Studio B as the “soul” of Boyertown, a community with great “bones,” We want to be the “go to” place for developing friendships and enjoying art.
• Directors and Founders of Studio B include Susan Biebuyck, Gallery Director and Jane Stahl, Director of Community Relations. Emily Branch coordinates our promotional efforts in all media—print, internet, and broadcast. Artist Bob Wood is our Volunteer Extraordinaire who offers conversations about local history. Our directors meet regularly to decide the direction of the studio’s efforts and to develop programs; an Advisory Council meets monthly to share the studio’s activities and the events offered in the community.
• Our network continues to grow. We maintain a loyal membership list, but we are always pleased to welcome new artist members and friends of the arts. We have members and participants from 40 miles and beyond in all directions surrounding Berks and Montgomery counties: Philadelphia and Delaware County, Allentown and Bethlehem, Bangor, Lancaster. And our network of patrons extends in all directions as well.
• We enjoy non-profit status as a result of being connected to Building a Better Boyertown (BBB), an organization dedicated to the revitalization of main street Boyertown. Studio B is the home of the Arts and Activities Alliance (A&AA), a committee of Building a Better Boyertown. A&AA began in June 2007; Studio B opened in December 2008.
When can I become an artist member?
Artists can become members of Studio B at any time. Our membership drive is held each year in January. Membership is $75. If you join in January, your entry to the January exhibit is waived as is the registration fee for the annual December exhibit and any Studio B On the Road exhibits that occur throughout the year.
Membership offers an opportunity to include an artist statement and image of your work on studiobbb.org, a recorded conversation on the “B Inspired” podcast, reduced registration fees on selected exhibits, promotion of your special events on Studio B Art Gallery Facebook page, and invitations to participate with the studio during community events. We continue to seek ways to benefit our artist members.
Why should I join? There are benefits!
Studio B offers benefits to its members that make joining a cost-effective way to participate in the many ways the studio supports and promotes its artists.
• FREE registration in Studio B’s annual January exhibit and the studio’s December exhibit that runs during the Christmas season. The December show opens the first Friday in December to coordinate with Boyertown’s popular Holiday Open House Tour. Studio B receives hundreds of visitors during this Friday evening event and the town’s Chillin’ on Main Festival, held on Saturday.
• Participation in Members’ exhibits in remote locations. Studio B members have had their works exhibited at Montgomery County Community College West Campus, Schwenkfelder Heritage Center in Perkiomenville, Firefly Café and Tompkins VIST bank in Boyertown, Goggleworks in Reading, the Baum School in Allentown, Animal Rescue League and the Art Gallery at Franklin Commons in Phoenixville, and the Audubon Center at Mill Grove.
• A presence on Studio B’s website. Each Studio B member has a page on the website and is invited to submit an artist statement or biography, an image, and links to the artist’s own website, YouTube video, or “B Inspired” podcast episode if available. Our website is professional, beautifully designed, and maintained regularly.
• On-going promotional efforts and well-attended openings. We enjoy robust media support of our efforts and well-attended openings. Our volunteers include extremely talented graphic artists and individuals with a long history of promotions and solid media relationships. Participating in Studio B exhibits allows exposure to an ever-increasing network of art lovers and patrons.
• Showcasing your work in this reputable fine art gallery during the several annual exhibits juried by prestigious, well-known, and knowledgeable members of the art world allows you to develop and maintain connections to those who appreciate and purchase fine art.
How can I help?
• Studio B’s staff is an all-volunteer organization. We welcome members to offer their time to host the studio so that it can be open. We are lucky to have loyal volunteers who host often, but even they need a vacation now and then and we’d be open more days, more hours if we had the volunteers to do so. Hosting at the studio once a month—or more as desired—is a great way to help and to meet members of the community and learn more about their preferences in art. Volunteering is not required, however.
• Support your fellow artist members by attending the monthly exhibits. Bring friends. Send out invitational postcards to patrons and neighbors. Invite your artist friends, neighbors and relatives to become artist members or friends of Studio B.
• Find support from donors, angel investors, or individuals willing to sponsor an artist or group of artists for an exhibit. Suggest adding Studio B to the charitable giving portfolios of those looking to support the arts.
